Westward Podcast Episode 9:

A Roadmap for the First Generation Rancher with Caroline Nelson of Little Creek Montana

This episode is brought to you by Warrior Counseling Works.

Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠⁠

Visit Little Creek Feed and browse Montana essentials for your pantry.

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

Westward Podcast Episode 8:

Wait! Don't Delete Your Account. My Tips for Navigating Negativity Online

This episode is brought to you by Warrior Counseling Works.

Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I'm talking to you from the heart, discussing the significance of understanding and coping with negativity on social media, particularly within the horse industry.

Negativity is a fact of life. Learning how to navigate it in the social media space will help you build resiliency and strength. As you grow and succeed, you'll face this challenge more, and more. But you can overcome.

I share some personal anecdotes, strategies for distinguishing constructive feedback from baseless negativity, and the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining a positive focus.

I encourage you to curate your online spaces, engage with supportive communities, and remember your passion for horses and life.

00:00 Welcome and Weekly Updates

01:36 Engaging with the Community

03:21 Wedding Planning Excitement

04:40 Horse Health and Spring Preparations

05:20 Introduction to Today's Topic: Negativity

06:20 Dealing with Negativity in Life

08:21 Personal Growth and Handling Criticism

11:28 The Power of Words and Social Media

19:20 Action Steps for Coping with Negativity

28:25 Navigating Online Criticism

28:53 Evaluating Anonymous Feedback

32:45 Highlight Reel vs. Reality

36:01 Understanding Critics' Motivations

39:47 Responding with Kindness

42:52 Taking Breaks and Setting Boundaries

44:18 Constructive Criticism vs. Negativity

47:32 Final Thoughts on Handling Negativity

Westward Podcast Episode 7:

Horses Healing Veterans, Warrior Counseling Works, and the Incredible Story of Dr. Cliff Robertson, Jr.

Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this powerful episode of the Westward Podcast, we delve into the incredible story of Dr. Cliff Robertson Jr., a Desert Storm veteran and founder of Warrior Counseling Works.

Dr. Robertson shares his harrowing childhood experiences in an alcoholic household, his military service, and the tragic loss of he has experienced. Through immense personal struggles, including imprisonment, Dr. Robertson found his path in helping veterans and at-risk youth through equine therapy.

The episode highlights the transformative power of horses in healing trauma and restoring hope, as well as the ongoing mission to support those in need.

Join me for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, faith, and the healing powers of the horse.

00:00 Introduction to the Westward Podcast

01:05 Meet Dr. Cliff Robertson Jr.

02:07 Dr. Robertson's Early Life Struggles

02:58 Finding Solace in Horses

12:41 Military Service and Its Challenges

16:27 A Life-Altering Tragedy

24:15 Turning Point and Redemption

26:41 The Power of Equine Therapy

31:09 Warrior Counseling Works

32:42 Expanding Support for Veterans

32:55 Therapeutic Riding Retreat in Jackson Hole

33:51 Challenges Faced by Veterans

35:39 Success Stories and Impact

38:03 The Healing Power of Horses

40:14 Meet the Horses

47:29 Foster Care to Success

52:24 Future Goals and Support

59:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Westward Podcast Episode 6:

How Does Anyone Afford Horses?!

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

Hey folks, on this episode I dive into what it actually costs to own a horse these days. No sugar-coating here, just straight talk about budgets, recurring expenses, and why having an emergency fund isn't optional when you've got horses depending on you.

I share some personal stories about my own financial ups and downs with horses, plus some no-nonsense advice whether you're a longtime horse owner or looking to buy your first one. From hay prices and quality tack that won't break on you at the wrong moment to why skimping on certain things will cost you way more down the road.

Beyond just dollars and cents, we talk about what makes all the expense worth it, and how to make smart choices so you can enjoy your horses without constant money stress. Tune in for some practical wisdom from the saddle

00:00 Introduction to the Westward Podcast

01:22 Exploring the Spirit of the American West

02:01 The Economics of Horse Ownership

05:57 Historical Perspective on Equine Economics

12:04 Personal Anecdotes and Financial Strategies

20:12 Balancing Costs and Passion for Horses

24:44 Recurring Expenses of Horse Ownership

25:54 Setting Up a Separate Account for Horse Expenses

26:27 Advice for First-Time Horse Owners

27:26 Tracking and Budgeting for Horse Expenses

28:21 Avoiding Impulse Horse Purchases

36:57 Balancing Passion with Pragmatism

39:18 Final Thoughts and Personal Experiences

43:01 Engage with the Westward Podcast

Westward Podcast Episode 5:

Talking Cowboy Girl Life with Kinlee Merrick

Visit⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this episode of Westward, I invite Kinlee Merrick, a close friend and embodiment of the cowboy girl spirit, to share her journey into the Western lifestyle. Kinlee talks about her upbringing in an outfitting business, her gradual immersion into cowboying through her husband's influence, and the challenges and rewards of adapting to this new way of life.

The discussion delves into topics like growth mindset, overcoming failure, the importance of community, and the unique experiences of women in the industry.

Kinlee emphasizes the value of persistence and a positive mindset, making the case that the effort is undoubtedly worth it. This heartwarming and insightful conversation is sure to resonate with anyone drawn to the open range and the cowboy spirit.

Westward Podcast Episode 4:

Finding Balance in the Changing of Seasons + a Quick History Lesson

Visit⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠ LiveEQ⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this episode of Westward, I dive deep into the changing of seasons and how they mirror our own life experiences. From the harsh cold of winter to the warmth of spring, I discuss how life's contrasts help us appreciate the highs and lows. Join me as I reflect on the physical and emotional toll that extreme weather can have, not just on us, but on our animals and the people around us. I also explore the isolation that comes with working in agriculture and ranching during the coldest months, and how essential it is to stay connected, even when the world feels a little too frozen to reach out.

And I give ya a brief history lesson about one of the worst winters in our history!

Key Takeaways:

• The cyclical nature of the seasons reflects our own cycles of hardship and growth.
• How extreme cold impacts both the daily work of ranchers and the emotional well-being of those in the industry.
• The small joys that come from technological advances like automatic heated waterers for livestock (and how it makes life a little easier!).
• The importance of staying connected with loved ones, even when weather conditions make it hard to do so.

Westward Podcast Episode 3:

Poetry and Reflections on the Western Lifestyle.

Visit devinoutwest.com to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with LiveEQ. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this episode, Devin reads select poems from her self-published book, 'Words of the West,' and shares the personal stories behind them.

Topics include the peace found in barns, the timeless experiences of older cowboys, and the yearning for a life steeped in nature and simplicity.

Devin expresses gratitude to her listeners and encourages them to pursue their dreams, no matter their age or background.

00:00 Introduction to the Westward Podcast

01:03 Today's Episode: Poetry Reading

01:41 Poem 1: I'll Be in the Barn

10:40 Poem 2: Once Young

14:42 Poem 3: Reach This Life

23:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

This podcast is co-produced withLiveEQ. Click on the link to learn more.

Failure is just something you'll encounter along the path of life. Especially when you try new things. But it'd be far too boring if we were all magically successful in everything we tried.

So, embrace it. Use failure as a lesson and feedback to propel you forward. Do not give up, do not give in. Surround yourself with a community that challenges you. Iron sharpens iron.

Westward.

Check outdevinoutwest.com for more information on your host, and to purchase a copy of Words of the West.

Clickhere to watch the show on YouTube, and click here to check out Devin Out West's YouTube channel.

If you like this episode, please share with a friend!

God is good, and I'm glad you're here.

In this episode of The Westward Podcast, I'll be sharing a little bit of my background with ya. From my childhood going down the road with dad to rodeos, to my career in (and out), of the horse industry, ride along and get to know me. 

Thank you for being here!

Learn more about me at my website, and preorder my poetry book, Words of the West!